How to Teach Water Safety to Kids
Swimming and splashing in the water is like a rite of passage for many school-age kids in warm weather, but this playful time can become dangerous in the blink of an eye. Drowning can occur in less than two minutes in some cases, according to KidsHealth.org. Taking the time to teach water safety to your child can help her make good decisions whether she is on a family beach vacation or visiting a neighbor̵7;s backyard pool.
Instructions
Instruct your school-age child to read all of the posted warning signs before getting into a swimming pool. Point out the depth markers so she will know exactly how deep each part of the pool is. Tell her to look out for others who might already be swimming in the water before jumping or diving into the pool. Make sure your child knows what depth is safe for her to swim for her skill level, and to never enter a body of water without an adult if she is still learning how to swim. Teach her to stay near the shoreline if she is swimming at a lake or the beach. If you have younger children keep them within arm's reach at all times. Explain to your child that to avoid slipping on wet concrete and getting hurt, she should never run around a pool. Show your child how to feel the water temperature with her hand or foot before jumping in so she does not experience shock, muscle cramping or an increased heart rate in extremely cold water -- all of which can make swimming difficult. Teach your child to never swim without adult supervision, no matter the circumstance. Show her how to call an adult, lifeguard or 911 in case of an emergency. Give your child swim lessons when you feel that she is developmentally ready, which could be as early as ages 1 to 4, according to HealthyChildren.org. Go to your local community center, YMCA or American Red Cross for group or private swimming lessons. Look for a program that will emphasize how to float and tread water in addition to basic strokes. Explain why in a boat it is important to always wear a U.S. Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device that is rated for the type of water you will be on. Describe how even adults who know how to swim can get trapped underneath a boat that unexpectedly flips over, get caught up in currents or tire out much quicker than they realize while in the water. Consult the U.S. Coast Guard's website to discover the the appropriate style of life jacket when out on different types of water, such as boating on calm, inland water or canoeing on a river. Take your child with you to talk to the lifeguard at the beach about how strong waves and rip currents can be. Talk to her about what the different color flags mean that some beaches post to indicate adverse conditions, or read the updated chalkboard or website together that lists current water conditions. Refer to the United States Lifesaving Association's guide at USLA.org for a diagram on surviving a rip current.